Lead Technician - Analytical Microbiology

Overview

Stockton Quality Control Laboratory is an NHS service which is an MHRA inspected contract laboratory. The laboratory provides a range of pharmaceutical testing services including analytical chemistry, microbiology, clean room testing, medical gas testing and theatre testing.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Technician in Antimicrobial to support the ongoing development of the service. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a Degree in Microbiology or a related field, with experience in a GMP environment to join our team working into our internal services.

Main duties of the job

Under the direction of the Head of Internal Services the post holder is responsible for the co-ordination of workload in the analytical microbiology section to meet contracted turnarounds. This will require the supervision Technicians along with Senior and Assistant Technical Officers in the analytical microbiology section of the laboratory along with the performing a range of analytical tests on pharmaceutical microbiology test samples. As part of the role the post holder is expected to have or develop an understanding of the principles of current Good Manufacturing Practice and Data Integrity Guidelines.

About us

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience. We are an Active Hospital and strongly encourage participation of all staff and patients. We expect MECC for all our people interactions. We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards. We recruit for values and \”Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool\”

Job responsibilities

Under the direction of the Head of Internal Services and under the professional supervision of the Head Microbiologist to supervise and organise the work of Technicians, SATOs and Assistant Technical Officers working in the analytical microbiology section of the laboratory. To liaise with other Lead Technicians within Internal Services to ensure that resources are co-ordinated to the needs of the service. To perform a range of microbiological analyses on a variety of pharmaceutical and other samples using instrumental and classical microbiology techniques. Working with the Head Microbiologist to provide judgement on the result of analytical tests to staff and customers of the laboratory. To supervise and undertake the validation of microbiology kits and sterility test samples by challenge testing in accordance with laboratory procedures. To supervise the monitoring of incubation temperatures and storage conditions using the Tutela monitoring system. To plan the workload to ensure samples within the analytical microbiology section of the laboratory are tested in accordance with agreed procedures and within contracted turnarounds. To plan the workload and allocate staff within the Microbiology Identification Service and to ensure contracted turnarounds are met. To ensure that adequate stocks of consumables and equipment used in the microbiology section of the laboratory. To ensure that deviations, change controls and out of specification results are raised as appropriate according local procedures within a timely manner and any required actions are acted upon. This may include investigation of deviations within own section under the direction of the Quality Manager. Author controlled documents as appropriate. Approve procedures, forms, methods and specifications as appropriate.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding and appreciation of cleanrooms
• Computer literate
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work in a team of staff to complete all necessary tasks
• Ability to follow written instruction

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Microbiology or relevant degree

Desirable

• Training in GMP

Experience

Essential

• Greater than 3 years\’ experience in a GMP environment
• Greater than one year’s experience of working in a clean room
• Supervisory experience
• Experience of performing a range of microbiological tests

Desirable

• Involvement in audits
• Greater than 3 years supervisory experience
• Significant experience of working in a pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Flexible approach to work and tasks
• Keenness to learn a range of tasks and procedures
• Methodical and accurate worker

Compliance and Additional Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the [employer website].

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer details

Employer name
North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton on Tees
TS19 8PE

Employer\’s website

North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust